“He’s the right guy to take us to the next level,” said Olsen of the NDP trying to form the federal government in 2015.

“He’s well spoke and bilingual in both official languages, which is important. He also strikes me as someone who stands up for what he believes in. He will hold (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper’s feet to the fire.”

Nikki Inouye, a former Okanagan-Shuswap NDP candidate, is urging Mulcair to continue with what she considers was Layton’s positive message.

“He has charisma and speaks very well, a good contender to take on Harper,” she said of Mulcair.

“I just hope he sticks to Tommy Douglas’s plan and doesn’t try to move our party to the centre! Positive thinking is what got the orange wave surge and the popular vote. Jack Layton’s message will prevail.”